Rack-hung loadable debit card package

ABSTRACT

A dual card package having cards secured within. A first panel of the package includes an access flap that is pivotal about a fold line. A second panel is also foldable along a fold line substantially corresponding to the fold line of the access flap. One card is accessible by the access flap so that the package is selectively movable from a closed position in which an magnetic strip on the card is covered and an open position in which the access flap and the second panel is swung out from the card such that the magnetic strip is exposed for activation purposes.

FIELD

The present invention relates to packaging and more particularly to apackage for debit cards such as phone cards, bankcards, credit cards,and debit cards.

BACKGROUND

Wallet cards are well known and widely used for a variety of purposes.For example, wallet cards have long been used as credit cards, debitcards, rental cards and bankcards. Wallet cards are also used torepresent a variety of pre-paid services. Prominent examples of this arepre-paid phone cards, merchant cards, gift cards and debit cards thatare offered by a number of companies. To reduce the risk of theft,pre-paid cards are typically stored, or displayed, in an inactivestatus. As a result, pre-paid cards usually require activation beforethey will function. Often, activation is performed at the time ofpurchase by reading a unique identification number encoded on the card.This method is widely referred to as “point-of-sale activation.” Theidentification number is generally stored on a magnetic strip, encodedinto a bar code, or stored in a memory device (such as a smart chip)attached the card. The identification number is read by a card reader(e.g. a magnetic card reader, bar code scanner, smart chip reader or thelike) and then transmitted to a device that activates the card. Onceactivated, the card entitles the holder to access the functionality ofthe card.

A variety of phone card packages are commercially available thatfacilitate point-of-sale activation of the pre-paid card by packagingthe card so that the identification number is accessible for readingwithout removing the card from the package. One such type of phone cardpackage 200 includes front 202 and rear (not shown) panels that sandwichthe upper portion 204 of the card 206 (See FIG. 1). The lower portion208 of the card 206 (to which the magnetic strip is attached) protrudesfrom the package 200 so that it can be passed through a card readerwithout removing the card from the package 200. The front panel 202includes a transparent plastic window 210 that covers the top of card206 and permits viewing of graphics printed thereon. To prevent the card206 from being pulled out of the package 200, the card 206 is secured tothe package 200. In a particularly advantageous construction, the card206 is secured to the panels by a layer of peelable adhesive (notshown). In other constructions, the card is secured to the panels byadhesive tape or by a portion of the window that extends through a holein the card. The plastic window significantly increases the cost of thispackage. In addition, because the identification number is alwaysaccessible, it is difficult to determine if the card has been tamperedwith, for example, if it has previously been activated. Further, becausethe portion of the card carrying the identification number extendsfreely from the card, the identification number can be intentional orinadvertently damaged during shipping, handling and display, forexample, by scratching the magnetic strip. Additionally, after the cardis purchased, it is relatively difficult to remove the card from thepackage because the front and rear panels must be separated to gainaccess to the card.

A second type of point-of-sale phone card package 300 includes panelsthat can be folded about the card 302 to provide access to theidentification number (See FIGS. 2 and 3). The card 302 is sandwichedbetween front 304 and rear (not shown) panels, and includes a magneticstrip (not shown) extending across the top, rear of the card 302. Therear panel covers the rear of the card and includes a fold line (notshown) that permits it to fold backward at a point below the magneticstrip. The front panel defines a card-sized opening 306 that receivesthe card 302. A transparent window 308 is positioned in the opening 306to help retain the card. Because the upper portion of the package 300 isrequired to fold away from the card 302, the window 308 extends throughonly a portion of the opening 306 and its upper extent 312 coincideswith the fold line in the rear panel. The front panel 304 also includesa line of perforations 310 that coincides with the fold line in the rearpanel and the upper extent 312 of the window 308. The perforations 310permit the front panel 304 to tear apart when the package 300 is foldedto provide access to the magnetic strip (See FIG. 3). This makes iteasier to fold the package 300 and prevents the rear panel from bucklingor creasing when folded. Although this construction protects the cardprior to activation, the transparent window increases the cost of thepackage. Further, the presence of only a partial window may beaesthetically unpleasing to customers. In addition, because the frontpanel is torn apart at the line of perforations, the integrity andaesthetic appearance of the package is compromised when the card isexposed. Additionally, once the package has been folded open, the panelshang limply providing little or no protection for the card. Further,after the card is purchased, it is relatively difficult to remove thecard from the package because the front and rear panels must beseparated to gain access to the card.

Another prior art wallet card package is illustrated in FIG. 4. Thepackage 10 includes front 12 and rear 14 panels that close about andsecure the wallet card 16. The front panel 12 defines an opening 50 thatpermits viewing of the wallet card 16. As shown in FIG. 4, wallet card16 is swung out from between the front 12 and rear 14 panels tofacilitate point-of-sale activation. This permits the card 16 to bepassed through a card reader without removing the card 16 from thepackage 10. Such a card package is suitable for a pre-paid telephonecard having its identification number stored in a magnetic strip.

The prior art packages all described above, fail to provide additionalactivation and security features suitable for use with debit cards. Inparticular, there is no suitable provision in such prior art packagingfor efficient access to a debit card's personal information number(“PIN”), let alone efficient access that also provides access to thedebit card for activation purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a first wallet card package according tothe prior art.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a second wallet card package according tothe prior art.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the second wallet card package accordingto the prior art with the wallet card exposed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third wallet card package according tothe prior art with the wallet card exposed.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the wallet card package of an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of a portion of the wallet card package of anembodiment with the access flap in the closed position.

FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of the wallet card package of an embodimentwith the access flap in an open position.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the wallet card package of an embodimentan open position.

FIG. 9 is an interior plan view of the wallet card package of anembodiment in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings that form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate likeparts throughout, and in which are shown, by way of illustration,specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural orlogical changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is notto be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present inventionis defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Embodiments of the present invention include a user-friendly packagingfor loadable debit cards.

In the following description, various aspects of selected embodiments ofthe present invention will be described. However, it will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art and others that alternate embodimentsmay be practiced with only some or all of the aspects of the presentinvention. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials andconfigurations are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art and others that alternate embodimentsmay be practiced without the specific details. In other instances,well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscurethe illustrated embodiments.

The various operations will be described as multiple discreet steps inturn, in a manner that is most helpful to understanding of the presentinvention. However, the order of description should not be construed toimply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Inparticular, these operations may not be performed in the order ofpresentation.

The phrase “in one embodiment” is used repeatedly. The phrase generallydoes not refer to the same embodiment, however, it may. The terms“comprising,” “having” and “including” are synonymous, unless thecontext dictates otherwise.

Embodiments shown in FIGS. 5-9 and described below, illustrate anexemplary dual debit card package. While the package may advantageouslybe used with multiple debit cards to provide a single activation (andloading) of the jointly packaged debit cards; in other embodiments onlya single debit card is packaged, activated and loaded.

A debit card package, according to one embodiment, is illustrated inFIG. 5 and generally designated 500. The package 500 includes front 512and rear 514 (see FIG. 6) panels that close about and secure the debitcard 516. The front panel 512 defines an opening 550 that permitsviewing of the wallet card 505A. As shown in FIG. 7, access flap 516(see FIG. 6) can be swung out from between the rear 514 panels tofacilitate point-of-sale activation. This permits a card 505A-B to bepassed through a card reader without removing the card 505A-B from thepackage 500. For purposes of disclosure, and not by way of limitation,exemplary embodiments are described in connection with a loadable debitcard having activation data stored in a magnetic strip. Variousembodiments are suited for use with other types of wallet cards, such asbankcards, credit cards, non-loadable debit cards, rental cards, giftcards, information cards, telephone cards and other similar cards, andwith other mechanisms for representing the activation information, suchas bar codes or smart chips.

The front panel 512 may be a generally rectangular, planar sheet ofpaperboard. The front panel 512 defines a card opening 550 that permitsviewing a card 505A. The opening 550 may be similar in shape to, butslightly smaller than, the periphery of the card 505A. As a result, thefront panel 512 overlaps the card 505A around its entire periphery. Thisprevents the card 505A from being pulled forwardly through the opening550 without damaging the package 500.

In FIG. 6, the rear panel 514 is similar to the front panel 512, and maybe a generally rectangular, planar sheet of paperboard (See FIG. 7). Therear panel 514 includes an access flap 516 and an access panel 520, bothof which are defined by a plurality of cut lines 518. The cut lines areleave a plurality of bridges across of the cut lines 518 such that theaccess flap 516 and an access panel 520 are held in the closedpositioned until appropriate force is applied to the cut lines 518. Thesize, location and number of bridges can be varied from application toapplication to provide the desired resistance to opening. In someapplications, the bridges can be eliminated and other forms ofresistance to folding can be relied upon to retain the access flap 516and access panel 520 in the closed position until forcibly opened.Alternatively, the partial cut lines 518 can be replaced by perforationsor partial cut lines (i.e. cut lines in which the cut does not extendentirely through the panel) or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the access flap 516 is intended to fold or swingout from the rear panel 514. Score lines or fold lines 519 may be formedin the rear panel 514 to facilitate folding of the access flap 516 alongthe desired line. The respective sizes of the access flap 516 and anaccess panel 520 will vary from application to application. The accessflap 516 is preferably sized and configured so that it does notinterfere with passage of the card 505B through a conventional cardreader. For example, the folded edge of the access flap 516 preferablyterminates a sufficient distance from the magnetic strip 511B so that itis not required to pass through the card slot on the card reader (notshown). In debit card or other PIN-based card applications, the accessflap 516 may include copy of the cards' 505A-B PIN 525 on a rear accessflap surface 517, permitting viewing of the PIN 525.

The debit cards 505A-B are generally conventional, and may bemanufactured from a sheet of plastic material. The cards 505A-B includecard numbers 510A-B and magnetic strip 511B (magnetic strip of card 505Anot shown). The magnetic strip 511B is applied to a surface of the card505B, such that the magnetic strip 511B may be passed through a cardreader when the access flap 516 is open (as described below). Thedimensions of the cards 505A-B may vary from application to applicationas desired. In addition, if desired, the magnetic strip 511B can bereplaced by a bar code or other form of machine-readable identificationand/or activation information.

The debit cards 505A-B are manufactured using conventional techniquesand apparatus. The one surface card 505A, which is visible through theopening 550 in the front panel 512, may be printed with the desiredgraphics.

The debit cards 505A-B are secured to the package 500 by a layer ofpeelable adhesive (not shown). The adhesive may be either a hot melt ora cold glue. A suitable hot melt is available from L&D Adhesives ofComstock Park, Mich. under the trade name INSTANT-LOK. Suitable coldglues include formulated rubber latex available from L&D Adhesives underthe trade name National 35-6148 and compounded natural rubber latexavailable from P-H-X, Inc. Of Milwaukee, Wis. under the trade name PHX4011. The peelable adhesive is characterized by its relatively highshear strength and relatively low peel strength. The low peel strengthpermits the cards 505A-B to be easily peeled up from the package 500when the panels 512 and 514 are separated. Alternatively, as desired,the cards 505A-B may be secured to the package 500 by other conventionalmethods.

A rack-hanging hole 540 is defined within the front 512 and rear 514panels. The two holes 540 are aligned to form a single hole when thepackage 500 is closed. The rack-hanging hole 40 is used for hanging thepackage 500 from a conventional display hook (not shown). Obviously, thehole 540 can be eliminated if desired.

If desired, a transparent window (not shown), such as a transparentplastic film, can be secured in the opening 550 to protect the frontsurface of the card 505A. The transparent window may be secured to thefront panel 512.

As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 9, the front 512,513 and rear 514,515 panels are adjoined along a fold line 530. Alternatively, the front512 and rear 514 panels can be adjoined along a different edge or can beseparate, unconnected pieces. Obviously, the shape of the panels canvary from application to application as desired. For example, the frontand rear panels can be different in shape and/or size from each other.Also, the front and/or rear panels can include embossing in the shape ofthe card(s) 505A-B to help locate the card(s) in the package 500.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the package 500 is manufactured from aconventional die cut paperboard blank. The desired printed informationcan be applied to the blank either before or after the die cuttingoperation. The blank is cut with front 512 (and its interior side 513)and rear 514 (and its interior side 515) panels adjoined along fold line530. The fold line 530 can be scored or partially cut during die cuttingprocess to facilitate the formation of a straight consistent fold. Thefront panel 512 is also die cut with opening 550. As noted above, theopening 550 is preferably smaller than the card 505A-B. The rear panel514 is die cut with cut lines 518 that define access flap 516 and accesspanel 520. Also printed on interior side is card number 510C, whichcorresponds to card numbers 510A-B of the debit cards 505A-B.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the cut lines 518 may include intermittentbridges that hold the access flap 516 and access panel 520 closed. Asnoted above, in some applications, the intermittent bridges 518 may beeliminated. Crease lines 519 may also be formed in the rear panel 514during the die cutting step to facilitate a clean, straight fold of theaccess flap 516. The crease or score lines 519 can be eliminated, ifdesired, and the fold line can be defined as the access flap 516 isopened. In addition, the rack hanging holes 540 are cut in the panels512 and 514 during die cutting to permit the package to be hung fordisplay from a conventional display hanger (not shown). Alternatively,the front 512 and rear 514 panels can be die cut as separate elements orthey can be adjoined to each other along a different edge. The term“retention means” as used in the claims shall include not onlyintermittent bridges, partial cut lines, perforations and other weakenedlines, but shall also include, without limitation, the inherent tendencyof the panel to resist folding or bending.

Once the package 500 is die cut, a peelable adhesive is applied to aninterior surface of the package 513,515 using conventional techniquesand apparatus. Alternatively, the adhesive can be applied to the cards505A-B. The cards 505A-B are then secured to the package 500 by placingthem into position on the package 500. The cards 505A-B canalternatively be secured by adhesive tape, double sided tape or otherconventional securing mechanisms.

A layer of adhesive or cement is then applied to either or both of theinteriors front 513 and rear 514 panels using conventional techniquesand apparatus. The package 500 is then folded along fold line 530 usingconventional folding machinery to complete the package 10. The cementsecures the panels 512 and 514 in the folded position.

Alternatively, the cement can be eliminated and the front 512 and rear514 panels can be sealed together using an alternative technique. Forexample, the two panels can be secured by a heat-activated adhesive thatis pre-applied. When a heat-activated adhesive is used, the two panelsare folded and then sealed together by selectively applying heat andpressure to the panels.

As a second example, the front 512 and rear 514 panels can be secured byapplying a layer of peelable adhesive to the entire face of either orboth of the front 512 and rear 514 panels, except the access flap 516.In this embodiment, the layer of peelable adhesive secures the panelstogether and secures the card to package 500.

In the completed package 500, the cemented front 512 and rear 514 panelsentrap cards 505A-B, with card 505A visible through opening 550. Priorto purchase, for example, when the package 500 is on display, the cards505A-B are in an inactive state, and the access flap is in the closedposition. When the cards 505A-B are purchased, it is necessary toactivate the cards 505A-B. The activation process is well known and willnot be described in detail. Suffice it to say that the cards 505A-B areactivated by reading the activation information encoded on the magneticstrip 511B and communicating that activation information to anactivation device (not shown). The activation device activates the cards505A-B.

To activate a card 505B (and associated card 505A), it is necessary toobtain access to the magnetic strip 511B. Access to the magnetic strip511B is obtained by applying a force to the access flap 516 to separateit from the rear panel 514. Once sufficient force is applied, the cutline 518 is ruptured or broken and the access flap 516 is free to swingrearwardly away from the package 500. The access flap 516 is then swungrearwardly into the open position substantially perpendicular to theplane of the package 500. In use, the secured card 505B stays within thepackage 500. The access flap 516, which initially covers the magneticstrip 511B, swings rearwardly and out of the way as the card 505B andmagnetic strip 511B are exposed. The exposed strip 511B can then bepassed through a conventional magnetic strip card reader (not shown), toprovide activation information, while the card 505B remains attachedwithin the package 500.

Once the card 505B (and 505A) is activated, PIN 525 printed on theaccess flap 516 may be used to initiate a load transaction to load astored value to the card 505B (i.e., to an account associated with thecard number).

Access flap 516 can be returned to the closed position by manuallyswinging the Access flap 516 back into a substantially closed positionwithout substantially deforming the appearance of the package 500. Theaccess flap 516 will generally partially close by virtue of its inherenttendency to return to the closed position. As a result, the access flap516 also helps to hide the PIN 525 from inadvertent exposure.

Eventually, it will be desirable to remove the cards 505A-B from thepackage 500 so that they can be easily carried, for example, in awallet. To remove the cards 505A-B, the access panel is opened along cutlines 518 to provide easy access to the cards 505A-B. The cards 505A-Bare separated from the access panel 520 by simply peeling the cards505A-B up from the peelable adhesive to separate it from the accesspanel 520. The low peel strength of the peelable adhesive permitsrelatively easy removal of the cards 505A-B.

The foregoing descriptions disclose various embodiments of the presentinvention in which the access flap 516 is hinged or foldably joined tothe panel along its adjacent to card 505B. In alternate embodiments, theaccess flap can alternatively be hinged or foldably joined to the panelalong other edges.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art andothers, that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalentimplementations may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown anddescribed without departing from the scope of the present invention.This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations ofthe embodiment discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifested andintended that the invention be limited only by the claims and theequivalence thereof.

1. A debit card package, comprising: a first panel defining a firstplane and including an access flap joined to said first panel along ascore line, said access flap being selectively pivotal in a singledirection about said score line such that said package is selectivelymovable between a closed position in which said access flap is insubstantial alignment with said first plane and an open position inwhich said access flap is swung out and away from said first panel alongsaid score line so that said access flap is substantially outside ofsaid first plane and defines a second plane distinct from said firstplane; said access flap having an interior surface includingidentification indicia on said interior surface, said identificationindicia being exposed and observable when said package is in said openposition; and a debit card removably secured within the debit cardpackage, said debit card having a activation portion, said activationportion being exposed and capable of being activated when access flappackage is in said open position.
 2. The debit card package of claim 1,further comprising a retention means for providing resistance againstmovement of the access flap out of the first plane.
 3. The debit cardpackage of claim 2, wherein the retention means comprises at least onebridge.
 4. The debit card package of claim 1, further comprising anopening disposed on a surface of a second panel to permit viewing of aportion of said a surface of said debit card, wherein said openingdisposed in said second panel is slightly smaller than perimeterdimensions of said debit card so that said first panel providesresistance to removal of said debit card.
 5. The debit card package ofclaim 1, wherein said access flap is defined by at least one cut line;and said access flap temporarily retained in said first position by atleast one bridge.
 6. The debit card package of claim 5, wherein saidfirst panel and said access flap substantially cover a surface of saiddebit card when said card said access flap is in said first position. 7.The debit card package of claim 1, wherein the first panel is defined asa rear panel, the package further comprising a front panel; the rearpanel interconnected with said front panel, an access flap retentionmeans present on said rear panel for providing resistance to movement ofsaid access flap out of the first plane; the debit card disposed betweensaid front panel and said rear panel; and said access flap rearwardlymoveable away from said front panel.
 8. The debit card package of claim7, wherein said debit card can be viewed through an opening disposedwithin said front panel when said package is in a closed position, saidopening being similar in shape to, but smaller than, the periphery ofsaid debit card whereby said debit card is prevented from passingthrough said opening.
 9. The debit card package of claim 7, wherein saididentification means is observable when said package is in said openposition.
 10. The debit card package of claim 7, wherein said debit cardis secured to said rear panel by a peelable adhesive.
 11. The debit cardpackage of claim 7, wherein said debit card is secured to said frontpanel by a peelable adhesive.
 12. The debit card package of claim 7,wherein said access flap is defined by at least one cut line, saidaccess flap temporarily retained in substantial alignment with saidfirst plane by at least one bridge.
 13. The debit card package of claim1, wherein said debit card having an associated pin number, said pinnumber printed on said package and hidden from view when said package isin said closed position.
 14. The debit card package of claim 13, whereinsaid pin number is printed on said access flap.
 15. The debit cardpackage of claim 1, wherein said first panel comprises a display holefor hanging said package at a point of display.
 16. The debit cardpackage of claim 7, wherein said front panel and said rear panel eachinclude a respective side edge said front panel and said rear panelbeing integrally connected at said edges along a fold line.
 17. A methodfor activating a packaged debit card, comprising the steps of: providinga package with a debit card disposed on a panel, the panel including aaccess flap that is pivotal about a fold line, the package includingretention means for temporarily retaining the access flap in a planedefined by the first panel, the card being secured within said package,the card including an identification means for identifying the card foractivation purposes; applying a force to the access flap to overcome theretention means; swinging the access flap into an open position out ofthe plane defined by the first panel; reading the identification meanswhile the access flap is in the open position and while the card remainswithin said package; and activating the card in an activation devicebased on the identification means.
 18. The method of claim 17 whereinthe retention means is defined as at least one bridge, said applyingstep including applying sufficient force to the card through the openingto break the bridge.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprisingobserving a pin number associated with said debit card packaged withinsaid debit card page.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprisingloading a value onto said debit card utilizing said pin number.